If you’re looking to work in South Korea, you may be interested in the D-10 visa, or the “Job-Seeker Visa”. This visa is designed for individuals who have graduated from a South Korean university or have worked in the country for at least one year and are looking to continue their stay for a longer period of time. The D-10 visa point system has been simplified, making it easier for foreign workers to understand and meet the requirements.
In this blog post, we will discuss the eligibility criteria, point system, and other important details about the D-10 visa. [F-2-7 Long Term Residency Visa] Looking to become a long-term resident? Check out this post about working with the F-2-7 Points Visa. [E-9 Worker's Visa in South Korea] Learn who's eligible for the worker's visa in South Korea.
I. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a D-10 visa, you must meet one of the following criteria:
Graduated from a South Korean university
Have worked in South Korea for at least one year
Completed a language course at a South Korean university or language institute for at least six months
Have been invited by a South Korean university, research institute, or business for a specific purpose.
If you meet any of the above criteria, you are eligible to apply for a D-10 visa.
Next, you'll need to make sure that you have all of the required documents to complete your application.
II. Required Documents
1 passport size photo with dimensions 3.5*4.5
University Degree/Diploma - 1 copy (Required)
School Transcript - 1 copy
Passport - 1 copy (primary name page)
Alien Registration Card (ARC) - 1 copy (front & back)
Change of Sojourn Status Form (on the 종합/Combined Immigration Office form)
Application Form
Plan For Seeking Employment Form
Visa Application Fee - KRW 100,000 (to be paid in cash)
Processing Fee - KRW 30,000 (to be paid in cash)
III. Exemptions
If you're interested in getting a D-10 "Job Seeker Visa" in Korea, it's important to understand the point system requirements. Previously, applicants needed to score 60 points according to Korea's visa point system to receive or extend a D-10 visa. However, there are now a few groups that are exempt from this requirement. Here are the D-10 point system exemptions to keep in mind:
Graduated from a college or higher in Korea less than 3 years ago and has a TOPIK 4/KIIP 4. (D-2 Visa + TOPIK 4)
Those who were on an E series visa and have completed their contract or have left with reasonable cause.
For those who violated the law, you will not be exempt from the point system if the crime was committed within 3 years (Previously, it was 10 years).
IV. Point System
If you are not exempt from the point system you must accumulate at least 60 points on the D-10 visa point system to be awarded the D-10 visa. The system is divided into four categories: age, education, Korean language ability, and work experience.
Basic Requirement (50 points maximum)
Age (Maximum 20 points)
20-24 years old: 10 points
25-29 years old: 15 points
30-34 years old: 20 points
35-39 years old: 15 points
40-49 years old: 5 points
Education (Maximum 30 points)
Doctoral degree: 30 points
Master's degree: 20 points
Bachelor's degree: 15 points
Associate's degree: 10 points
Optional Requirement (60 points maximum)
Work experience
Domestic (1-2 years) / Overseas (3-4 years): 5 points
Domestic (3-4 years) / Overseas (5-6 years) 10 points
Domestic (5+ years) / Overseas (7+ years): 15 points
Domestic studying; (within 3 years after graduation)
Doctoral degree: 30 (20)
Master's degree: 30 (15)
Bachelor's degree: 20 (10)
Associate's degree: 20 (5)
Domestic Training
College Research (D-2-5) | (12~18 months): 3 points
College Research (D-2-5) | (18+ months): 5 points
Exchange Student (D-2-6) | (12-18 months): 3 points
Exchange Student (D-2-6) | (18+ months): 5 points
Training at National and Public Institute (D-4-2) | (12-18 months): 3 points
Training at National and Public Institute (D-4-2) | (18+ months): 5 points
Korean Language | TOPIK or KIIP
Level 5+: 20 points
Level 4: 15 points
Level 3: 10 points
Level 2: 5 points
Additional Points (70 points maximum)
Recommended for D-10 visa by relevant central administrative agency, the head of the overseas Korean embassy: 20 points
Graduation from the world's top universities (Times 200 Universities, QS 500 Universities): 20 points
Career at a global company (Fortune 500): 20 points
Bachelor's degree in STEM field: 5 points
Professional worker with annual income over $50,000: 5 points
Deductions (-60 points maximum)
Immigration Law Violation
1 Violation (-5 points), 2 Violations (-10 points), 3 Violations (-30 points)
Domestic Law Violation
1 Violation (-5 points), 2 Violations (-10 points), 3 Violations (-30 points)
Other Important Details
The D-10 visa is valid for six months and can be renewed for up to two years. During this time, you can search for a job in South Korea, and, once you find employment, you can switch to the appropriate work visa.
In addition to the D-10 visa, there are other types of visas available for foreigners looking to work in South Korea. These include the E-1 visa for professors, the E-2 visa for English teachers, and the E-7 visa for specialized workers.
Popular Jobs for D-10 Visa Holders
Some of the most popular jobs for D-10 visa holders in South Korea include teaching English, working in IT or engineering, and working in the hospitality industry. English teaching is a popular option, as there is a high demand for English teachers in South Korea. IT and engineering jobs are also in high demand, as South Korea is known for its technological advancements. In the hospitality industry, D-10 visa holders can work in hotels or restaurants, either as waitstaff or in management positions.
Here are some popular job options for D-10 visa holders in South Korea that are not related to teaching or academic positions:
IT and Software Development: With the rapid growth of technology, the demand for skilled IT professionals is increasing in South Korea. As a D-10 visa holder, you can work as a software developer, web designer, or IT consultant.
Design and Creative Fields: South Korea is known for its fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries, making it a great place for designers, models, makeup artists, and other creatives. There are many opportunities available for D-10 visa holders in the fields of graphic design, video production, animation, and more.
Marketing and Advertising: Many companies in South Korea are expanding their marketing efforts to reach global audiences, so there is a need for marketing professionals who can speak multiple languages. As a D-10 visa holder, you can work in the advertising, public relations, or marketing industries.
Translation and Interpretation: If you are fluent in Korean and another language, you can work as a freelance translator or interpreter. This job can be done remotely or on-site, and it can be a great way to earn money while improving your language skills.
Customer Service and Hospitality: With the growth of the tourism industry, there are many opportunities for D-10 visa holders in customer service and hospitality. You can work in hotels, restaurants, or retail shops and provide services to tourists or local customers.
Online Freelance Work: As a D-10 visa holder, you can work online as a freelancer in various fields such as writing, graphic design, video editing, or social media management. You can find clients from all around the world and work from the comfort of your own home.
Part-time jobs: There are many part-time jobs available for D-10 visa holders, such as working in convenience stores, cafes, or restaurants. These jobs can be a good way to earn extra income while you search for a full-time job or pursue other interests.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and can accumulate at least 60 points on the D-10 visa point system, the D-10 visa can be a great option for foreigners looking to work in South Korea. The simplified point system makes it easier for applicants to understand the requirements and increases their chances of being awarded the visa. Additionally, there are a variety of job opportunities available to D-10 visa holders in South Korea, making it an attractive option for those looking to further their careers in the country.
It is important to note that the visa process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is recommended to seek assistance from a visa agency or immigration lawyer to ensure a smooth application process. Overall, the D-10 visa is a viable option for foreign workers looking to continue their stay in South Korea and explore job opportunities in the country.
Use code FLEETKR to get ₩4000 off your next Shuttle order!